# Joanna Southcott — The Humbugs of the World character guide

> Joanna Southcott in The Humbugs of the World by P. T. Barnum.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Joanna, Sanderson, Sharp, Poor Joanna

**First appearance:** 0056-xliv

## Who they are

A prophetess who convinced thousands she carried a divine child, proving that humbug thrives most luxuriantly in the soil of sincere faith.

## In the story

### [Part I: Personal Reminiscences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/part-i-personal-reminiscences)

Referenced as an example of religious humbug and gullibility.

### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/xvii)

Mentioned in comparison to the High Rock spiritualist absurdity, as her claims were similarly ridiculous and blasphemous.

### [Part IX: Religious Humbugs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/part-ix-religious-humbugs)

A notable religious humbug who claimed prophetic powers and gathered followers.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/xlv)

The central figure of the chapter, a farmer's lass turned prophetess who claimed to be the virgin mother of the second Shiloh, leading a large sect until her failed prophecy and death.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/joanna_southcott
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters